When you imagine going hot air ballooning, many picture the wine-growing region. But we have our own exceptional views right here in western Sydney. Editor Heloise Reece and photographer Carlos Furtado joined Cloud 9 balloon pilot John Allen for the ultimate experience.

EVERY day John Allen of Annangrove gets up to go to work — and has no idea where it will take him.

He depends highly on the elements.

‘‘Hot air ballooning is still appealing to me for several reasons: it’s that freedom — unlike other aircraft and other jobs, it’s not the same thing every day,’’ he said.

‘‘I have always wanted to go ballooning, and I thought ‘I’m not a parachuting kind of person, but this is something exciting we can do together’,’’ Dorothea said. ‘‘And it was nice and close.’’

‘‘I was really surprised by how soothing it was,’’ Mark said. ‘‘Very tranquil, it was lovely.’’

Flights include a 45 to 60-minute balloon flight over a choice of two locations, the Hawkesbury Valley or the Hunter Valley; online souvenir photos, breakfast and a full-colour flight certificate. Optional extras include breakfast for non-flyers ($25 a person); edited video of your flight ($80); or a printed A4 souvenir photo ($30).

Packages include engagement, family of four, weekends, week day escape and corporate. Prices range from $299 to $1400 for flights in the Hawkesbury and the Hunter Valley. Book online at cloud9balloons.com.au or 1300555711.